Framework

On basis of group discussions with international experts, the basic framework of NUVit has been developed and checked. Six dimensions have been distinguished: spatial, temporal, network, value, institutional and implementation dimension. Although many other groupings are possible, we consider these six dimensions being characteristic of land-use and infrastructure planning. It might be clear that these six dimensions are very closely related. The value of the basic framework is the synergetic integration of these dimensions. Vitality is the heart of the model.

Vitality
An integrated approach towards these dimensions can reveal synergetic aspects that may go beyond the sectorial project scope. These effects can influence the economic, environmental and social vitality of the region. NUVit stands for an integrated approach, in which vitality is discussed consistently during the planning process.

1. Spatial dimension: Spatial concepts with synergetic effects on accessibilityFor this dimension, critical aspects are the ability to deal with scale issues, the role of transport analysis and spatial design. The latter is both a strategic and operational tool. This is achieved by examining integrative spatial agglomeration and transport concepts. Well-known examples of such integrative concepts are Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Multimodal corridors, Nodal development, Area-oriented approach, Borrowed Size.

2. Network dimension: Multimodal network optimization at various spatial scalesThis dimension aims at establishing the main parameters of specific transport systems (multimodality, land-use transport integration, LUTI) in relation to spatial functions and spatial density. Different levels of spatial scales are relevant: corridors at (inter)national level, daily urban systems at metropolitan level and landscaping at local level.

3. Time dimension: Time linkages and shift to strategy driven planningThis dimension aims at linking the stages in a full life-cycle of places (this also relates to renewal, redevelopment, circular economy/cradle-to-cradle (C2C) and asset management), examining paradigms and temporal changes associated with changing lifestyles and linkages to mobility and accessibility. It also consists of an analysis and review of time linkages for strategy development – regarding the analysis of development of transport infrastructure systems, transitions to multi-modality.

5. Institutional dimension: Organisational empowerment for integrated planningThis dimension comprises of examining and analysing existing organisational and institutional frameworks which leads to an overview of governance approaches at all levels for the implementation toolbox. This relates to a broad array of concepts regarding institutional embedding, issues of institutional capacity, culture and setting and governance models at all institutional levels. It also entails development of governance approaches for different situations (transport-land-use combinations, at different scales) related to partnerships: inter-governmental cooperation (public-public partnerships), market involvement (public-private partnerships), stakeholder engagement (citizens, interest groups), and governance of organisational networks.

6. Implementation dimension: Implementation drivers for integrated planningFinally, a critical aspect in innovation is the deployment and the implementation. Therefore, in NUVit, explicit attention is paid to the implementation of the framework developed. This dimension includes making an inventory of implementation issues and drivers in order to tackle implementation barriers.